Later that night, as Merlin helped Arthur out of his dress clothes, he wrestled with himself. It had been two weeks since Arthur had given his promise to the Disir. Time was running out. He'd tried broaching the subject with Arthur twice, to have him simply refuse to discuss it. He had to do something, and fast.

"Arthur, there is something I need to tell you," Merlin began.

"What is it, Merlin?" He waited a little while in silence as Merlin knelt on the floor staring at Arthur's boots. "Well, speak up if you've got something to say."

"We've known each other for a long time."

"Yes Merlin, we have."

"And you know that I would lay down my life for you, Arthur."

"What is this about, Merlin? Are you after a day off? Because if that's what you have in mind, you can forget it. I need you with me tomorrow when Sarrum arrives."

"No Arthur..."

"Then what is it, Merlin?" Arthur said, barely containing his irritation.

"There's something about me that I need to tell you."

"That you're an idiot? I already know that. It's not a secret."

Merlin swallowed. "I've done this once before, it shouldn't be this hard," he muttered to himself.

"Come on, Merlin, don't take all night."

"Arthur, I am ..." he said and faltered. "That is, I have..."

Guinevere entered the room and Merlin stood up.

"I am definitely interrupting something," she said, looking between them.

"No, not at all," Merlin muttered backing up. "It can wait."

Arthur stared at him, a frown building between his brows. He kept staring at the door, long after Merlin had made his retreat.

"He was about to confess something to me," he told Guinevere.

She came close and wrapped her arms around him, resting her chin on his arm.

"Whatever it was, he seemed almost relieved not to have to confess it yet. It must be serious."

"That's what worries me," said Arthur still watching the door, frowning.

...

"You are welcome to Camelot, Sarrum of Amata," Arthur's voice rang in the crowded courtyard. The knights stood solemn and watchful behind him on the castle steps, like sentinels in their red cloaks emblazoned with rampant golden dragon. A subtle show of strength was made.

Merlin, standing to the side, watched Sarrum take in Arthur's escort of knights. While the two kings shook hands, Merlin looked over Sarrum's own escort. They were armed and dangerous looking, yet not enough in numbers to overpower Arthur in his stronghold. Perhaps his anxiety over Sarrum's early arrival was unwarranted.

He frowned and followed the two kings in. He went about showing Sarrum to his chambers. He had arrived later in the day than expected and would have enough time to freshen himself up for dinner. A festive banquet in honour of his arrival was being arranged for the evening.

Rushing about doing chores, Merlin was intercepted by Bri. With an inscrutable expression that Merlin was beginning to hate, she passed him a small bundle and a water skin.

"From Gaius," she said curtly. "You've not eaten all day."

She must have been helping with the preparations, for her cheek was a little smudged and her hair was coming lose from her braid. Merlin felt the urge to point out the smudge on her cheek or just reach out and wipe it off himself. As if sensing his intention, Bri's eyes narrowed.

He fought down the impulse and unwrapped the bundle she'd brought him instead. It was bread and cheese and a slice of baked ham. His mouth watered and he realized he was starving. He'd rushed out before breakfast and he had missed his lunch.

"T-Thank you," he stammered, but she was already walking away.

He stuffed the food into his mouth and forced himself to chew first, then swallow. Never before had ham and cheese and bread tasted so good. He'd have to remember to thank Gaius later. He washed it all down with big gulps of water.

"Merlin!" he heard Arthur's shout and was off again at a run.

Dinner was spread out on tables in the Great Hall, and Merlin ran about filling the tankards with wine. Arthur and his guest came in followed by the knights and Sarrum's escort and then the nobles of Camelot.

Bri walked in with Gaius. She nodded at Merlin.

"Thank you Gaius," Merlin whispered in Gaius' ear. "For sending me food earlier. I was famished."

Gaius expression was blank. "What food?"

"The food you sent me," Merlin reminded him.

"I didn't send you any," Gaius said.

"But Bri said ..."

Both men turned to look after Bri. She'd walked ahead and was almost seated at the table. If she had overheard their exchange, she gave no indication. Was she trying to poison him, Merlin wondered? It couldn't be, since he'd eaten the food she brought him hours ago and he felt no ill effects. Was there a potion that had a delayed effect? Why would she even want to poison him? She had his secret in the palm of her hand, and that in itself would have been an easier way to get rid of him. He didn't understand.

Gaius raised an eyebrow and walked on. Merlin stopped him with a hand on his elbow.

"You're not afraid I've been poisoned?"

Gaius turned and stared into Merlin's eyes. He pulled one of his lids wide open between his fingers and looked closer.

"No, Merlin. You've not been poisoned." A small smile played on the corners of Gaius' lips. "There's a much simpler explanation to this."

Before he could ask Gaius for clarification, Arthur called for him and he had no more time to think about it. The evening flowed with food and wine and entertainment.

Towards midnight, Sarrum rose to his feet to propose a toast. His shrewd eyes looked over the company.

"I thank you for your generous welcome into Camelot, Arthur Pendragon!"

Arthur nodded politely. Arthur's knights were silent and watchful, although many of the other men looked like they had imbibed much or were simply tired from the revels. Sarrum's men seemed to have had no wine at all. They were alert and clear eyed as they had been when they sat down.

"In gratitude for your hospitality," Sarrum continued, "I bring you a gift."

He made no sign to any of his servants to bring anything forward, nor did any of his men move at all. Sarrum turned to Arthur.

"You are too kind, Sarrum of Amata," Arthur replied politely to fill the awkward silence.

Merlin, standing to the side of the room, looked over the heads of their guests and noticed the tense postures of Sarrum's escort. He felt a shiver of premonition. Something was wrong. Something was about to happen. Arthur waited patiently for Sarrum to continue, but the latter said no more and sat back down in his seat at Arthur's side.

A small frown built between Arthur's brows. His eyes jumped to Sir Leon, and then to Merlin.

"Be patient, Arthur Pendragon," Sarrum said leaning back in his chair looking entirely at ease. "Your gift is about to arrive at any moment."